What is a facial scrub for and how to apply it?

Do you know what a facial scrub is for? Peeling is one of the key components of a proper skincare routine when choosing formulas based on natural ingredients. In addition to smoothing skin texture, removing excess dead skin cells helps minimise signs of pigmentation and promotes elasticity of epidermal tissues.

What a scrub is for

There are many benefits that offer the best answer to the question “what is a facial scrub for? Targets met such as:

1. A brighter skin.
2. Softer feel.
3. Epidermis free of imperfections, which will better absorb the nourishing products applied afterwards.

These are just a few examples of the promise that this type of product delivers to its users. 

How to use a scrub and what types are there?

Dead” skin cells, while necessary, can become problematic when they accumulate on top of each other as skin cell turnover begins to slow with age and environmental factors.

Normally, our skin would exfoliate on its own every 4 weeks, but as we age, that process slows down to only every 40 to 50 days. Without peeling, oilier skin types can appear less vital and with more blackheads, and on drier, more sensitive skin types, skin can appear dull and lacklustre. Therefore, a balance needs to be struck: exfoliate sparingly and without overdoing it.

Exfoliating scrub application tips

There are different types of peeling that will work in different ways. The skin can be physically exfoliated by rubbing away dead skin or a chemical peel can be used to achieve the same effect. The way to proceed in each case is:

• When using a physical facial scrub: first moisten the skin with water, then apply the exfoliating product with a gentle massage in a circular motion. After application and massage, rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a natural tissue without rubbing.
• When using a chemical peel: start from a clean and dry area. When the skin meets these conditions, the chemical peel can be applied, leaving it on for no more than 10 minutes. The area is then rinsed and patted dry. If in doubt, follow the manufacturer’s instructions if it is not a homemade formula.

As long as they are home methods, they can be used on a weekly basis; quite different from what is considered advisable in relation to professional peeling treatments, where a couple of weeks to a couple of months should be allowed before repeating.

Recommendations for after peeling

Avoiding further peeling in the near future (at least 5 days or one week in the case of physical pling and at least two to four weeks after chemical pling) is the golden rule to follow after undergoing this type of treatment. The skin must be given time to recover. It is equally important to avoid exposure to the sun without proper protection.

Another recommendation to keep in mind is to pay attention to the selection of hygiene and care products. If you know what a scrub is for and the effect it achieves, you will realise that it is more important than ever to avoid chemicals and focus on formulations based on natural ingredients.

Where is it good to exfoliate?

One of the areas where the passage of time and the lack of homogeneity of the skin are most noticeable is the face. Facial peeling is very common and extends to nearby areas, such as the neck and décolleté. It is also advisable to exfoliate the rest of the body to achieve greater softness and smoothness, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the care products used, such as moisturising or anti-cellulite creams, for example.

Types of facial scrub: physical and chemical

Physical exfoliants are usually granular compositions or treatments using brushes that remove dead skin with their mechanical action.

While most skin types can use physical facial scrubs, they are more suitable for stubborn skin with open pores, sun damage and wrinkles. Jojoba beads are gentle with rounded edges and work well on sensitive skin, while pumice crystals will work better for someone who needs a stronger peeling to perhaps treat deep lines or sun damage.

Physical peeling can also be performed as part of a professional treatment. Microdermabrasion and epi blading are treatments that remove dead skin cells at a deeper level.

Despite their effectiveness, these types of peels are not the best for dry and oily skin. They tend to be too aggressive for drier skin types and can disrupt the skin’s barrier protection, which is made up of sebum. In addition, for oilier skin types, it tends to aggravate the problem of oiliness. People with darker skin tones should be careful, as physical exfoliants can irritate and cause hyperpigmentation problems.

Chemical exfoliants come in various forms, although those based on fruit acids and those composed of enzymes are very common.

Enzymes provide a temporary glow as a result of the process, but for long-term benefits, fruit acids are more effective, although they are only recommended for skin that is not sensitive to their components.

Another disadvantage of enzyme peels is that for active acne, again, fruit acids are much better, as they help treat the cause and prevent breakouts. Bacteria are a key factor in the development of acne, and fruit acids help to make the pH of the skin more acidic, which affects the ecosystem of bacteria, reducing their presence.

Enzymes do not have this effect, although they may be the best option available to people with darker skin tones, as fruit acids are too strong and can promote pigmentation problems.

Best practices (do’s and don’ts) for the use of scrubs

Good practices you should adopt:

– The best time of day to exfoliate is in the evening. Choosing the last hour before bedtime gives the skin time to start recovering and be better prepared for sun exposure.

– Sunscreen should always be used, regardless of the type of peel used. Although this is something to bear in mind all year round, it should not be forgotten that after such a treatment the skin is even more sensitive.

Bad habits to avoid:

– It is not advisable to exfoliate the skin every day, as this can thin the skin and make it more susceptible to damage. The aim is to keep the skin thick, smooth and elastic, so peels should be spaced out.

– It is important to avoid exfoliating the skin around the eyes. It is a delicate area and you run the risk of being too harsh, which would create deeper wrinkles and pigmentation problems. In this area, normal cleansing with a natural fabric cloth or cotton pad and subsequent drying with a towel is sufficient peeling, at most the use of mild retinoids would be acceptable.

What is the secret of people who have amazing skin?

Now that you know what an exfoliating scrub is for, all you need to know is that, to boost its benefits, you should focus on exercise, diet and habits. Frequent sport, to activate blood circulation; a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, nuts and quality nutrients, including the intake of supplements such as G7 Beauty (a powerful antioxidant thanks to silica and capable of slowing down the cellular ageing process); and constant hygiene and cleansing routines will help you achieve the goal of achieving healthy, glowing and rejuvenated skin.

Finally, don’t forget to look at the label to select natural products, such as Rosehip Cream and Silicium Serum & Elixir that will provide extra nourishment, plus the hydration your skin needs to stay luminous and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.